Dear Project Phoenix community,

We hope your autumn birding adventures have been delightful! Thank you for your continued support of Project Phoenix. Every survey you submit, and every bird that you see (or don’t see) helps us build a picture of where birds are, and which birds are most affected during wildfire events. Although the research process can feel slow, your contributions are incredibly valuable and will help us develop conservation plans and environmental policies that help birds and people thrive.

There are just a few weeks left in data collection. We’re almost to the finish line!

Yuka Wu | Communications Lead, Project Phoenix

BIRD OF THE WEEK:

Red-breasted Nuthatch

This tiny, adorable, active songbird is a Red-breasted Nuthatch. They belong to the nuthatch family, Sittidae, and are characterized by short tails, long pointed bills, and relatively large heads. These gravity-defying birds are often seen climbing vertically and even upside down around trees as they search for insects in the tree bark. Red-breasted Nuthatches can be identified by their reddish breast, gray back, black cap and eye line, and a prominent white eyebrow. They can also be identified by their unique calls that often sound like slow, honking laughter. Two other nuthatch species that we see in the West include the White-breasted Nuthatch and the Pygmy Nuthatch.

Red-breasted Nuthatches are an irruptive species, which means there can be sudden annual changes in their wintertime abundance, depending on food availability at their breeding grounds. During irruptive years, large numbers of a species can be observed in their overwintering range. Red-breasted Nuthatch irruptions occur when there is poor conifer cone crop in Canada, which results in a large number of nuthatches moving south earlier in the year. Learn more about irruptions here! 

One cool behavior of Red-breasted Nuthatches is the use of tree resin. They put resin around their nest holes in order to deter predators.

FEATURE STORY: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 is considered one of the most important laws passed that protects birds in the United States. The MBTA protects native bird species from being killed, captured, or traded without authorization. This includes trading and possession of any part of these species such as their feathers and eggs (yes, it’s illegal to take home feathers of most birds*). Prior to the treaty, there were nearly no regulations keeping people from killing birds. Ornamental feathers were highly sought after for hat decorations, to the detriment of several bird species. By the start of the 20th century, there were enough species that had gone extinct or were on the verge of extinction that it was clear that something had to be done. Conservation groups were formed to urge Congress to pass laws protecting birds and other wildlife. Some of these early laws include the Lacey Act and the short-lived Weeks-McLean Migratory Bird Act. 

Snowy Egrets, Wood Ducks (pictured above!), and Sandhill Cranes are just a few of the notable species that were saved by the MBTA. Its passing was a turning point in conservation history, and has evolved to protect additional groups of birds such as eagles, owls, and corvids. Today, there are over one thousand bird species protected by the MBTA. In the 21st century, there has been a larger push to hold industries accountable for violating the MBTA by carrying out activities that kill birds on a massive scale. 

This goes to show the power of people’s voices and the importance of using legislation to protect the birds we love. One great way to help bird conservation is by writing to your representatives to advocate for conservation policies.

* exception applies to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes as well as organizations such as museums and zoos with proper permits

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